Rep. Holt: Islamic Social Studies Standards Must Be Dropped

TENNESSEE, Sept. 10, 2015— Fourteen years ago, almost to the day, our Nation was struck by tragedy. September 11, 2001 remains a date ingrained in the minds of every American, as well as, our friends and allies around the world. Forcing thousands to an early grave, Islamic extremists attacked the Twin Towers in New York City.

Unfortunately, attacks from these extremists haven’t stopped, and a case can be made for an increasing frequency in jihad related activities. Just two months ago, Mohammad Abdulazeez, whose father was on a terrorist watch list, murdered five United States military servicemen in an attack on our military outlets right here in Tennessee. One of the last texts messages Abdulazeez sent before killing members of our military was one of praise to Allah. “Whosoever shows enmity to a friend of Mine, I will indeed declare war against him.” The next morning, he murdered five American servicemen.

Tennesseans have seen the radical side of Islam, and many have grown skeptical of this “peaceful religion”. As a result, it comes as no surprise that Tennessee parents & citizens are upset to learn that Tennessee students are being forced to spend upwards of three weeks learning about Islam in their local public schools. This “teaching” also occurs while Tennessee students are simultaneously being told they cannot fly American flags and are being discouraged from praying while at school.

Enough is enough, folks.

After reviewing the standards set by the Tennessee Department of Education, it has become abundantly clear that a strong bias in favor of Islam over all other religions is being taught to our children in public schools. Typically, standards are reviewed every six years. However, due to public outcry, the State has agreed to review the standards in January. I am calling for those standards to be revised as soon as Session starts. I repeat, not reviewed, but revised.

While I can certainly understand the desire for cultural knowledge, it must never be at the cost of our own cultural identity. Many of our children are not being taught the Ten Commandments in school, but instead the Five Pillars of Islam and the “Prophet” Muhammad as a sovereign to Jesus Christ.

This is an insult to the men and women serving our country who have lost and risked their lives due to a war instigated by the teachings of Islam, and I will not stand for it.